Undergraduate Course: Analysing Text and Material Culture (FNDN07006)
Course Outline
| School | Centre for Open Learning |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 7 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course will introduce you to the analysis of text and material culture. It will expand your understanding of theories about culture in the humanities, and proficiency in analysis through the examination of texts and artefacts. |
| Course description |
This course is recommended for students on the International Foundation Programme Humanities & Social Sciences Pathway who wish to progress to degrees in humanities subjects and is an option for students on the Art & Design Pathway.
Centring on different genres such as literary text, film, and visual art, this course will provide you with a platform to expand your understanding of theories about culture in the humanities and proficiency in analysis. You will examine diverse forms of text and artefacts, encompassing both verbal and visual expressions, while exploring various methods of analysing these objects in their contextual frameworks. Furthermore, the course will introduce pivotal theories that facilitate critical inquiry into the connections between texts, artefacts, and society, with an awareness of the need to challenge and reshape traditional narratives to foster inclusivity.
This course will introduce you to specific works (e.g., literature, film, visual art, and artefacts) with a keen focus on their contextual aspects. The curriculum will also incorporate key theories about culture in the humanities that are relevant to the works being studied. You will explore diverse perspectives on culture and society, gaining insights into the ways in which texts and artefacts have been examined and interpreted. Additionally, you will develop your analytical skills, learning how to critically analyse works in relation to their contexts and theoretical frameworks. You will be encouraged to critically reflect on the biases present in traditional discussions of art and culture.
You will actively engage in a series of interactive weekly lectures and tutorials. These learning opportunities will equip you with academic skills, including effective participation in group work and class discussions.
In preparation for the lectures, you will be expected to engage with relevant materials, gradually increasing in difficulty and volume. This material will encompass diverse perspectives, challenging traditional narratives and embracing inclusivity in knowledge acquisition.
The assessment structure will involve a multi-stage written assessment, offering you the chance to actively participate in a feedback dialogue with your course teacher and peer assessors throughout the semester. This collaborative approach encourages an inclusive evaluation process.
Through active engagement and feedback exchange, you will develop your analytical and critical thinking skills while contributing to a learning environment that values diverse voices and experiences.
|
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2025/26, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
|
Quota: 90 |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 32,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 32,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
132 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
Presentation (30%)
Timed assessment (35%)
Final Essay (2000 words) (35%) |
| Feedback |
Students will be given verbal feedback on their contributions in class and verbal and/or written feedback on their presentation before completing their essay assignment. Written feedback will be given on all summative assessments including the timed assessment. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe key concepts, theories, and methodologies used in analysing text and material culture
- Apply analytical approaches and tools to identify patterns, connections, assumptions, and cultural influences
- Construct well-supported interpretations and arguments by synthesising information and evidence from multiple sources, incorporating diverse viewpoints and perspectives
- Reflect on their own learning, make use of and act on feedback, and act independently in planning and undertaking tasks
|
Reading List
Essential:
Bennett, A. (2005), Culture and everyday life. London: Sage.
Hicks, D. and Beaudry, M. C. (2010) The Oxford handbook of material culture studies. Edited by D. Hicks and M. C. Beaudry. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Storey, J. (2014) Cultural theory and popular culture: an introduction. Sixth edition. London: Taylor and Francis Group.
Walton, D. (2008) Introducing cultural studies learning through practice. Los Angeles: SAGE. |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Enquiry and lifelong learning.
Personal and intellectual autonomy to critically evaluate ideas, evidence and experiences from an open-minded and reasoned perspective.
Communication to enhance their understanding of a topic or context and to engage effectively with others.
With an informed international perspective, they seek to contribute positively, ethically and respectfully.
Making the most of a confident and reflective approach, they take personal responsibility for pursuing their goals and opportunities to grow. |
| Keywords | Not entered |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Liz MacDougall
Tel:
Email: emacdou3@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr James Cooper
Tel: (0131 6)50 4400
Email: jcooper6@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage